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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />SEPTEMBER 9, 2015 <br />The Parks & Recreation Director stated that he is open-minded about the <br />future of the Department. He indicated that his goal for the Department is <br />to continue to foster community pride. The Director stated that he <br />believes that starts with participation in the City's recreation programs as <br />children and remains with those participants through their adult life. The <br />Director noted that the Little Canada Recreation Association (LCRA) is <br />also a big part of the City's recreation programs. The Director <br />acknowledged that participation numbers are down, but hoped that that is <br />not the determining factor in the future direction of the department. The <br />Director felt that having a viable Parks & Recreation Department fostered <br />community pride, and indicated that there may be a cost associated with <br />that. The Director stated that recreation programming in the City has <br />never generated enough money to pay for itself. <br />Keis stated that he did not disagree. He also acknowledged the good <br />relationship between the City and LCRA. Keis noted that he served as <br />LCRA president for 7 years. Keis felt that the City will have a recreation <br />presence going forward, but there needs to be a determination of what <br />direction the department will take. Should there be more adult programs <br />added? Should different program options be added for youth? How will <br />the City get the message out? <br />Darling asked if the City knows why the numbers are down. Miller asked <br />if past participants are participating in programs in Maplewood or <br />Roseville? <br />Keis indicated that while the population numbers are about the same, it <br />was his gut feeling that the population is getting older. Keis stated that he <br />thinks that that is starting to turn around and that younger families are <br />moving into the community. Keis stated that while he is not sure why <br />participation numbers are down, he does know that some people prefer to <br />participate in more competitive recreation programs. <br />Bowman stated that there are swings in population numbers and indicated <br />that the City works with the Cities of Maplewood and Roseville to ensure <br />that our youth can participate in a sport in the situation where there are not <br />enough numbers to have a Little Canada team. Bowman also indicated <br />that adult softball participation is declining on a State-wide basis. <br />Bowman stated that there is fluctuation in numbers and indicated that the <br />City has some new programs coming up that have been successful in other <br />communities. Keis stated that as a member of the City Council he has not <br />heard of any new programs. Bowman reported that McGinnity and the <br />Director attend regional park association meetings to learn about trends <br />and new offerings in the field. Bowman reported that one of the new <br />offerings will be bringing back the previously offered open basketball. <br />McGinnity reported that open volleyball will be offered for the high <br />school level. She is also working to get a scrapbooking group started. <br />2 <br />